Hayden rousts Soroco

The Hayden boys basketball team accomplished a nine-game winning streak Friday with an easy win against Soroco in Hayden.

The Rams put little pressure on the Tigers, who stretched their lead from seven points at the end of the first quarter to 31 points by the beginning of the fourth quarter.

The final score was 59-21. The win puts the Tigers' standings at 13-1 overall and 5-0 in Western Slope League play.

"I think we controlled the tempo of the game the way we wanted," Hayden coach Shawn Baumgartner said, adding that the team did a good job of slowing their offense for some good shots in the second half of the game.

Senior Evan Hilling and Levi Sheldon contributed several three-point shots in the third quarter. Soroco senior Tony Iacovetto answered with his own 3-pointer, but that was the most the Rams could muster.

"We're putting this one out of our mind," said Soroco coach Andy Smith, who attributed the team's loss in part to failed free-throw attempts.

Hilling led overall scoring in the game with 22 points. Hayden senior Chris Frentress and Sheldon followed with nine points.

Iacovetto was the top scorer for Soroco with eight points, followed by senior Denis Luark, who scored six points.

Soroco is 4-8 overall and 0-4 in the league.

"Hayden is tough -- I've said it before, and I'll say it again," Smith said. "I think they'll be the team to beat in our league."

Hayden is tied with Rangely in league standings. The two teams face off today in Rangely. The Soroco boys play Paonia today.